The New Belarus Conference concluded with a final speech by the Belarusian leader.
“Dear friends!
First of all, let me thank you all for these days that we spent together at the New Belarus Conference 2024.
I want to share a personal story with you. You know, friends, yesterday at the conference an activist approached me and shared an observation. I found that observation really interesting. She said that a year ago she had many complaints about, as she put it, Belarusian leaders: Tsikhanouskaya, Koushyk, Latushka, Viacorka… She was constantly upset that we were doing either too little, or the wrong things, or not in the right way. It annoyed her so much that she decided to start her own initiative – and show how it should be done. That’s how it is sometimes.
And you know what happened next?…
The first month she was flying high, the second month she managed to get off antidepressants, the third month she expected gratitude from everyone she helped, and by the fourth… By the fourth month, people started complaining to her that she was doing either too little, or the wrong things, or not in the right way. And then she understood.
I think each of you has gone through this, but it didn’t stop you. It didn’t kill your enthusiasm. You continue your work despite grievances, criticism, and all the challenges.
So, as Anzhalika Melnikava said yesterday, let’s more often ask ourselves the question “What can I do for Belarus?” and not “What can Tsikhanouskaya or someone else do for me?” And let me thank you all for what you do.
I am very glad that over these two days we managed to reach agreements on some issues. And argue on some other issues. Some will still need further discussion. Let me summarize the main outcomes.
First. We announced the new members of the United Transitional Cabinet. In the coming weeks, the new representatives will need to go through the approval process in the Coordination Council before fully assuming their positions. But I am glad that new people are joining, and I hope this will empower the Cabinet.
Second. We adopted the Protocol for Cooperation within the democratic forces. This foundational document sets the rules that will lay the foundation for both our cooperation and trust within the democratic forces. We have defined the roles and responsibilities of each institution of the democratic forces.
Third. We adopted Platform 2025, a common framework for our work. This platform has been supported by both political bodies and civic initiatives. The platform is open for signing, join us. Now we need to fill this platform with practical activities. I expect each of you to take on a piece of the work. Because there is indeed a lot of work, and there is room for everyone.
We outlined the priorities for 2025. First of all, it is the release and assistance to political prisoners. Protection of the interests of Belarus and Belarusians. Institutionalization of democratic forces. European alternative. Aid for the media, civil society, and Belarusians inside the country. Accountability for the regime.
We must not let the regime ‘turn over the page’ and freeze the situation, leaving the people in prisons and the country enslaved. Lukashenka’s election will neither be legitimate nor fair. And we will strive for its non-recognition. We will develop a common strategy for what to do on the day of the sham election, before, and after it.
Fourth. We presented the International Humanitarian Fund to support the repressed. Its establishment is a practical result of the extensive joint efforts by many initiatives and testifies to the solidarity of foreign states with Belarus.
Fifth. As a result of the conference, the Organizing Committee developed draft declarations “On Support for Political Prisoners” and “On Support for Independent Media”. Declarations were adopted “On the Foreign Policy Priorities of Democratic Belarus”, “On Accountability and Restoring Justice”, and on “Why A. Lukashenka Must Be Barred from the 2025 Election”. They will appear on the website today. These declarations are open for signing by both conference participants and partner organizations.
Dear friends,
Democratic Belarus is, above all, the people – Belarusians. It is you. And for me personally, your trust is the greatest value and motivation.
I want to thank each of you for the fruitful work today.
Let me thank the Office, United Transitional Cabinet, and the Coordination Council.
Thank you to the host, Konstantin Kaverin.
Thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, and translators! You did a great job, and I think you deserve a round of applause!
Thank you to the journalists. Thank you to the foreign guests and diplomats for your solidarity.
Thank you to the viewers from Belarus. No matter how hard the regime tried to portray us as criminals, over these several days, you were with us, and we were with you.
Thank you to all participants for trying to hear each other. Thank you to the moderators for well-prepared discussions.
Thank you to everyone who joined the chat on the New Belarus platform. Some of your messages were poignant, some sharp, some funny. Thank you for setting the mood and bringing us emotions.
Thank you all for walking through our trials together. After all, we have no other option.
I understand your pains and doubts. I know how scary it can be to take responsibility. How you worry about everyone who has trusted you. But if you have taken it on – do it. Slow and steady wins the race. And we will win the race as long as we are together!
Long Live Belarus!”
